10.14.2008 - 04:50pm ET

(CSRwire) CAMDEN, NJ - October 14, 2008 - Executives along with New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, Camden Chief Operating Officer Judge Theodore Z. Davis, Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison and Freeholder Louis Cappelli held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the company’s new World Headquarters building. Hundreds of community members and state and local leaders attended the historic event to celebrate the $90 million expansion which reflects Campbell's longstanding commitment to Camden, its home since 1869.

At a morning news conference, Campbell President and CEO Douglas R. Conant outlined plans for the 80,000 square foot employee services building and the planned 100-acre office park in Camden's Gateway District.

Conant said, "Getting to this point has not been easy. But good things often don't come easy. We've persevered with help from many partners and friends."

Conant recognized the strong partnership between Campbell, the Corzine administration, Camden County and City officials and the numerous community organizations that have supported the project.

"We would not be here today if it were not for the overwhelming support of all of you," Conant said.

As part of the expansion and development agreement, the State of New Jersey and the City and County of Camden are investing $23 million to improve the area’s infrastructure.


"This expansion project is a testament to how public - private partnerships can bring about significant change in our urban areas," said Governor Jon S. Corzine. "Campbell's commitment has been vital to our ongoing efforts to revitalize Camden, and this kind of leadership should serve as an example to other companies in cities across New Jersey."

Today's groundbreaking is the official start of construction on Campbell's new employee services building, which was designed by Philadelphia-based architects KlingStubbins and will feature a dramatic glass entrance and lobby with super-graphics. The building will include a new cafe, fitness center, company store and credit union, as well as additional office space, conference rooms and a learning and development center.

Consistent with Campbell's commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, the building will be an environmentally-friendly, LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) "green" facility. Some of the environmental features include energy efficient HVAC, water conservation, recycled building materials, and daylight harvesting techniques, among others.
Torcon Inc. is the general contractor and Greyhawk is the on-site construction manager/owner's representative on the project.

The building is scheduled for completion in early 2010.

Campbell's expansion is the anchor of a broader project to revitalize Camden's Gateway District. Plans are underway to develop an office park which will bring many benefits to the region, including:

• Revitalization - The planned office park will sit on approximately 100 acres, with Campbell's campus covering approximately 40 acres. The proposed office park would cover parcels previously containing vacant and neglected buildings and empty lots.

• Development - The planned office park will accommodate approximately 200,000 square feet of office space. Campbell will work with state and local officials to attract developers and other businesses to Camden.

• Improved Roadways and Utilities - The state, city and county plan to invest in infrastructure to improve roads and upgrade the water and sewer service in the area.

• Greenways – Campbell has dedicated a portion of its land to Camden Greenways, an organization that helps preserve natural areas along the rivers running through Camden. The land will be used to create multi-use public access trails and pathways.

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